Monument record MBC44972 - A Second World War roadside ammunition dump, Rosehill Farm

A Second World War roadside ammunition dump is visible on historic aerial photographs and was mapped as part of the North Buckinghamshire Aerial Investigation and Mapping project (EBC18304). Located near Rosehill Farm along the south side of the lane between Chetwode and Preston Bissett and centred at SP 64578 28961, the ammunition storage area comprises 12 rectangular buildings, each about 5 x 3 metres. They are sited in 6 pairs with long sides perpendicular to the lane, each pair spaced between 9-12 metres apart and spread out over 93 metres. These portable corrugated iron shelters, or hutments, were usually camouflaged and covered stacks of artillery or small arms ammunition. Roadside storage not only made the ammunition easily accessible but dispersed the risk of a large loss of munitions in one event as a result of a German air raid or accidental explosion. Visible on aerial photographs taken in 1946 and 1947, all have been demolished by 1949 (1-5).